Currency The Rand (ZAR) is the currency of the Republic of South Africa. It is also used in neighboring countries, Namibia, Swaziland and Lesotho. It is subdivided into 100 cents, with coins in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1-, 2-, and 5-Rand. Bank notes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200. Rand and are designed with the images of wildlife species and former president Nelson Mandela. To determine the exchange rate, look in the business section of almost any newspaper or visit a currency converter website, such as www.xe.com. Handling Money Abroad Before departing...

You are required to enroll in 15-19 credits per semester including one mandatory course within the disciplines of Arts & Culture. Your program offers four ways to earn academic credit: Mandatory Spanish language course - offered at the IES Abroad Barcelona Center and range from the 100- to the 400- level. A Spanish language course is required for all students regardless of their proficiency level and is worth three to four credits. Intensive Spanish language courses are worth seven credits. (required, 3-7 credits) Spanish Language Assessment Form Link: (Form due ): IES Abroad Area Studies...

Daily commuting is a reality for all who live in or near Cape Town. You will live very close to the Cape Town IES Abroad Center as well as the University Jammie Shuttle bus. This is a free service for UCT students (and our HCD students) that transports students from the neighboring areas to stops in Upper, Middle and Lower Campuses. Travel time between your residence and the IES Abroad Center is 1 minute on foot. For those staying at Campus Key, the walk is 15-20 minutes, and those staying at the Rezident, the walk is 5-10 minutes.

You are required to enroll in 15-19 credits per semester including one mandatory course within the disciplines of Political Science & International Relations. Your program offers four ways to earn academic credit: Mandatory Spanish language course - offered at the IES Abroad Barcelona Center and range from the 100- to the 400- level. A Spanish language course is required for all students regardless of their proficiency level and is worth three to four credits. Intensive Spanish language courses are worth seven credits. (required, 3-7 credits) Spanish Language Assessment Form Link: (Form due )...

COURSES & CLASS SCHEDULE While in Cape Town, you will take a total of 15 credit hours per semester, with 5 IES Abroad area studies courses (required, 3 credits each). Classes are scheduled five days each week and attendance is required. You must come to class prepared, complete written assignments outside of classes, and complete rigorous assignments at the midterm and end of each course. All midterms, finals, and papers are required. Under no circumstances will exam schedules be modified, or special arrangements be made to accommodate independent travel. All IES Abroad courses have a formal...

We know that you are eager to learn about the field trips that will be available to you during your semester abroad. Field trip options and details may not be readily available until later in the predeparture process. Please be patient as we arrange field trips that will enrich your studies and give you the opportunity to explore your host country in a safe, engaging way. When field trip details are available, they will be posted here and you will get an email from your IES Abroad Advisor letting you know they are ready. Get ready for an unforgettable experience, get to know your new hometown...

Spring 2026 Program Calendar As soon as a preliminary program calendar is available (at least a few weeks before the program starts), it will appear above. However, this calendar is subject to change. Please do not make independent travel arrangements (including visits from family or friends) before you arrive on-site, receive any calendar updates from the IES Abroad Center staff during orientation, and finalize your course registration. Remember that you will not be excused from academic obligations, including final exams or required IES Abroad events nor from your internship placement, in...

IES Abroad Spring 2026 Program Calendar Please note - some partner universities have final exams on or shortly after the IES program end date and require students to take them on that day. If you plan on taking partner university courses, we recommend you book a flexible plane ticket in advance in case your exam is later. NOTE: Depending on the academic year and semester, the final evaluation at some partner universities might be some days after the end of the IES program or on the same day (for UB-EH, UAB, UVIC, URL-IQS). In the case of UB-EH and UVIC, students may arrange an earlier exam...

Upon arrival, you will participate in IES Abroad's orientation program in Cape Town. The orientation program will introduce you to the city and will provide important information on IES Abroad policies and procedures, safety, security, academics, banking matters, and will tell you more about Cape Town and South Africa. Some meals will be provided.

You are required to enroll in 15-19 credits per semester including one mandatory course within the disciplines of Journalism & Communications. Your program offers four ways to earn academic credit: Mandatory Spanish language course - offered at the IES Abroad Barcelona Center and range from the 100- to the 400- level. A Spanish language course is required for all students regardless of their proficiency level and is worth three to four credits. Intensive Spanish language courses are worth seven credits. (required, 3-7 credits) Spanish Language Assessment Form Link: (Form due ): IES Abroad Area...